Adu Sent To Belenenses On Loan

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Benfica announced today that the U.S. international would be sent to Belenenses on loan for the season.

Freddy Adu's move away from Benfica finally came through on Monday. According to the club's official site, the American midfielder has been sent on loan to another Portuguese club, C.F. Belenenses, on loan for the season.

The youngster has found playing time hard to come by since moving to Europe from Major League Soccer. A loan move to A.S. Monaco last season did little to help Adu's situation and now he is on the move again.

The player himself is looking forward to the chance, posting on his Twitter account: "I'm excited about this new opportunity. Had to come down to the last day of the transfer window but it got done and I thank God."

Besides confirming the move, Adu indicated he would start right away with his new club. Another Twitter post read: "I'm
excited to join the team tomorrow for training."

C.F. Belenenses is a Lisbon-based club that was once considered part of the big four in Portuguese soccer, but is now a regular mid-table outfit.

Adu also seemed to believe he might have the chance to show Benfica what they missed out on, sharing with his Twitter followers: "Just so you know we play Benfica next weekend."

Some regular followers of Benfica believe the loan opportunity will be ideal for Adu.

"Most of the Benfica fans think Adu was not
given the attention he deserved at Benfica," commented Goal.com's correspondent in Portugal, Luis Mira. "Fabio Coentrao has been a
big hit for the club this season, and people think Adu could at least
have been given some playing time in the pre-season. However, he was
not, and he trained away from the team despite the fact that Benfica do
not have any right-sided midfielders. By playing in Portugal during a
season, Benfica's fans hope he will not only get the experience he
needs, but he will also catch the eye of the club to have a shot next
season."

Adu should be able to find some regular minutes for Belenenses, something that the player has admitted in the past months will be key in him making the U.S.'s roster for the World Cup in South Africa.